Tiruchirappalli, March 14 -- Banana growers were left concerned on Saturday with a sudden fall in Nendran banana prices in Tiruchirappalli and are now demanding government intervention to address the issue and support their livelihood.

Banana Farmer Rajendran said that several farmers fear that, due to the sudden crash in prices, those farmers who have pledged their valuables in private banks might be able to redeem them next year. He urged the government to provide compensation.

"Many farmers had pledged household jewellery in private banks, hoping to repay the loans with the profits from this season's harvest. However, due to the sudden crash in prices, they are now unable even to pay the interest and fear they may only be able to red...